As technology has evolved, it has become easier to present information to an audience. There are many tools for classroom use that enable instructors to more effectively pass information on to their students. While the Power Point presentation has been around for quite a while, it is still an effective way to transmit information via classroom projectors, smart boards, flat screen televisions and even small networks of classroom computers.
There is, however, difficulty transferring information from the "chalkboard" method to a power point presentation. This guide shows a few helpful tips and tricks for composing a stunning and informational presentation.
Things to Include in a Power Point Presentation
The wonderful thing about power point presentations is that they don't limit the student's learning options. Some students learn better by focusing on something visual, some learn by copying notes down and some learn better just listening to the information being presented. Power points are a unique way of providing learners of all types with the tools to succeed.
There are some basic rules to maximize the efficacy of a presentation:
- Use bullet points to highlight important information. The slides should provide basic information that will be elaborated on during the lecture/discussion itself.
- Use bright colors to attract the attention of your audience. While slides shouldn't dominate a presentation, they should be lively enough to attract the attention of an audience. Bright colored text and formatting can go a long way.
- Use images to enhance the understanding of the presentation. Including images that illustrate key information in a presentation provides something for the visual learners to latch on to. Images can include things like: pictures, charts, graphs, etc.
- Don't be afraid to add music or videos to the presentation if they would enhance the material. A presentation on Bach could be aided by sample clips of music! Videos can also be included as examples or to further illustrate the points being covered in the presentation.
Things to Avoid When Writing a Power Point Presentation
Power Points are versatile creatures, but there is such a things as too much. It's best to do some trial and error when creating these presentations to find a nice balance of what to include in a presentation.
These are just a few examples of things that should not be included in presentations:
- Don't bog the slides down with too much text. Filling an entire slide with text will take away from the look and feel of the presentations. Students are much more likely to stay tuned in if the presentation on shows key points. The rest can be filled in during the class and will help sustain audience participation.
- Don't use busy background images that make the presentation hard to see. It's great to jazz up a presentation with colors and backgrounds, but when the images start to dominate the presentation or interfere with it's viewability, they need to be toned down a notch!
There will always be some guesswork with new technology, but the work will be more than worth it. Students need to be challenged and engaged during the class otherwise they'll tune out. Using such a versatile means of communication is sure to add to both the appeal of lectures and the retention of students! Times are changing, don't be afraid to change with them.
More Helpful Information on Power Point
Jessica Gleason - Jessica Gleason is merely a woman walking through life with words. She lives to write and writes to live. She has an affinity for cats and ...
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